In Santa Fe, we LOVE our pets! Leaving them in a Kennel—or even a Pet Resort!—for just a few days or weeks often causes us more distress than our furry friends whom we are boarding! And it is not surprising. Decades ago, kennels had poor reputations, and often for good reason. Spaces where our dear friends stayed were sometimes unclean and pets picked up and went home with such maladies as kennel cough.
The good news is that todays kennels and Pet Resorts have cleaned up their act!
Today most kennels and Pet Resort require you to have documentation that your pet’s shots are up to date. That includes a special vaccination to prevent kennel cough! Your furry friends are treated well, provided with healthy food, clean water, exercise, treats, companionship (human and critter) and actually can enjoy a trip to a local Pet Resort or Kennel!
When choosing a kennel or pet resort, ask friends and trusted neighbors for a referral. Visit a pet resort or two. Definitely take a tour. Chat with the staff. Do you feel comfortable? Is the space clean and pet friendly? What are the costs? What food do they feed? Will your pet get walked? Is there an extra charge for those walks? How about special needs pets? Does the Kennel or Resort give medications? Is there an extra charge? Is there a play space? If Spot is a social sort, can he/she play outside in a safe, supervised space with similarly socialized new friends?
Once you have chosen a place to board your furry friends, tell staff exactly what your pet needs to feel most comfortable when you are away. Maybe you can leave your favorite sleep shirt, bring your critter’s most loved squeaky toy, or private treat stash. Make sure that while your away you can call and check on your pet. Most Kennels and Pet Resorts are happy to let you know just how they are doing!
